In chemistry, an oxidant is a substance that loves to take electrons from other moleculesImagine tiny building blocks that come together to form everything around you, from water to air to your own body! A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by strong forces called chemical bonds. Think of them as the microscopic Legos that build the world! The… Read More. Imagine them as tiny thieves in the world of atomsAtoms are the tiny building blocks that make up everything in the universe. They are the smallest unit of matter that still retains the properties of a specific chemical element. Think of it like this: • Everything is made of matter, and matter is made of atoms. • Atoms are… Read More!

• Other Scientific Names: You might also hear oxidants called oxidizingOxidation is a chemical reaction that involves the loss of electrons from a molecule, atom, or ion. This seemingly simple process has profound implications in various fields, from the rusting of iron to the generation of energy in our bodies. It’s a fundamental force that shapes the world around us,… Read More agents. They both mean the same thing.

What does an oxidant do?

• An oxidant undergoes a reaction where it gains electrons from another molecule.
  • Think of it like the oxidant taking candy (electrons) from another kid (molecule).
• By taking electrons, the oxidant changes the chemical properties of the other molecule. This can be helpful or harmful depending on the context.

EtymologyEtymology is the study of the origin and history of words. It’s like detective work, tracing how words have changed over time and moved between languages. Think of it like this: • Words have a long history, just like old family stories. • Etymology digs into those stories to see… Read More (Word OriginsWhat is an origin? An origin is the starting point, the place or source where something begins. It’s like the very first chapter in the story of that thing. Examples: • The origin of a river: Where the river first starts to flow, like from a spring or a melting… Read More)

• The word “oxidant” comes from the Latin verb “oxidare” which means “to combine with oxygen.”
• This makes sense because many common oxidants, like oxygen itself, readily participate in reactions where they gain electrons. However, it’s important to note that not all oxidants involve oxygen.

Country Source:

• The exact origin of the scientific term “oxidant” is a bit unclear, but it likely arose in the 18th centuryA century is a period of 100 years. Examples: • The 21st Century: The years 2000 to 2099. • The 19th Century: The years 1800 to 1899. • The 8th Century BC: The years 800 BC to 701 BC. Etymology: The word “century” comes from the Latin word “centuria,” which… Read More during advancements in chemistry.
• The development of the term probably occurred in scientific communities in France or England, where significant contributions were made to chemistry during that time.

Here are some additional points to remember:

• Oxidation is a fundamental chemical processA chemical process is a change where substances in the body mix, break apart, or join together to create new materials or energy. Imagine the body as a busy kitchen where ingredients like food are transformed into fuel and building blocks to keep it running. These processes happen in organs… Read More that plays a role in many things, including rusting, combustionCombustion is the process of burning something, typically accompanied by the release of heat and light. Imagine a crackling bonfire or a lit candle – that’s combustion in action! • Other Names: You might not hear many other terms for combustion in everyday settings. In scientific contexts, terms like “burning”… Read More (burning), and even how our bodies use energy from food.
• In biologyBiology is the study of life! It’s the science that looks at all living things, from tiny bacteria to giant whales, and tries to figure out how they work, how they’re related, and how they change over time. Think of it like this: • Living things are like complex machines, made… Read More, free radicalsImagine atoms as tiny building blocks with connectors called electrons. They prefer to pair up their electrons, creating stable structures. However, sometimes an atom loses an electron, leaving it with an unpaired one. This unstable atom becomes a “free radical,” a highly reactive molecule that desperately seeks to steal an… Read More (reactiveIn simple terms, “reactive” describes something that readily responds or reacts to a stimulus or change in its environment. It signifies a tendency to be easily affected or influenced, much like a sensitive plant that quickly closes its leaves when touched. In a broader sense, reactivity refers to the capacity… Read More molecules with unpaired electrons) can also act as oxidants, damaging cellsThe cell is the basic building block of the human body, a tiny, microscopic (too small to see without a magnifying tool like a microscope) unit that works together with billions of other cells to form every part of the body, from the skin to the heart. Each cell is… Read More by stealing electrons from important molecules.
• AntioxidantsImagine your body’s cells as a bustling city with various activities taking place. In this city, antioxidants are like the dedicated maintenance crews that roam the streets, repairing damage and ensuring the smooth functioning of the city. They are molecules that protect our cells from oxidative damage, a process similar… Read More are substances that can donate electrons to oxidants, neutralizing them and preventing them from causing damage.